Rabbinical organization calls for international Israeli flag display

JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli rabbinical organization has called on synagogues and Jewish organizations around the world to display the Israeli flag.

Rabbi David Stav of the modern Orthodox Tzohar Rabbinical Organization issued the international call on Tuesday. It follows a similar national initiative.

“Our hearts and minds are with the brave soldiers of the IDF who are defending Israel against an onslaught of Hamas rockets and tunnel-terror. These soldiers are not only protecting the citizens of Israel, they are risking their lives in defense of the entire Jewish People. Maimonides teaches us that it is our obligation to display national solidarity and strengthen the moral of our troops on the front lines. At this time it is appropriate to display our support and proudly fly the flag of Israel,” Stav said in a statement.

Stav, a former candidate for chief rabbi of Israel, added that individual organizations should take safety into consideration when deciding where and how to fly the flag.

Stav also called on Diaspora Jews to visit Israel as an expression of solidarity.